2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge Amiral G Château de Vaudieu

The 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Amiral G. is, as always, all Grenache brought up all in demi-muids. It's unquestionably the most opulent, sexy, and expansive in the lineup, with overflowing notes of kirsch and blackberry fruits, incense, dried garrigue, and spice, full body, and no hard edges. Its incredible opulence and decadence are delivered with no sensation of weight or heaviness. This magical, thrilling beauty needs to be tasted to be believed. It's going to benefit from short-term cellaring and keep for 15+ years or more.

Like the l'Avenue, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Amiral G is 100% Grenache aged in demi-muids. Unlike the l'Avenue, the Amiral G is more about opulence and power. It's full-bodied, ripe and plush, with impressive layers of black cherries, stone fruit, licorice and chocolate spice cake. Concentrated and chewy on the finish, it has all the ingredients for greatness-and it should get there relatively quickly, then drink well for at least a decade. Tasted twice (once blind), with consistent notes. 2020-2030.

Lurid ruby-red. Assertive red berry and cherry liqueur aromas are complemented by building Asian spice, incense and vanilla accents. Concentrated and fleshy in the mouth, offering alluringly sweet raspberry, cherry pie, cinnamon and star anise flavors and hints of bitter chocolate and cola. Becomes more energetic with air and finishes with fabulous, floral-tinged persistence and velvety tannins that fold smoothly and quickly into the wine's sweet, clinging fruit.

This is brimming with alluring fruit, as creamed boysenberry, blackberry and plum notes cruise through, inlaid with anise, black tea and mineral details. The long finish echoes with fruit and a light shiso leaf accent. Offers a gorgeous mouthfeel. Very hedonistic. Best from 2021 through 2035. From France.